Korean rice exports to Japan grow as one of Korea’s largest food exporters makes a historic deal with Japanese retailer Beisia. The O Global agreed to export 200 tons of Saecheongmu rice, marking a milestone in private trade. This shipment is the largest consumer-bound rice export ever by a Korean company to Japan. Distribution began on Monday and will continue for four weeks, reaching major stores by late June. Each bag weighs 5 kilograms and targets individual shoppers directly.
Japan faces a serious rice shortage, worsened by declining farming and the record-breaking heat wave of 2023. Additionally, falling domestic demand and shrinking agricultural land have deepened the crisis. As a result, foreign imports have surged, creating new opportunities for regional exporters. Korean rice exports to Japan grow precisely during this moment of high dependency on external supply. Korean-grown rice now serves as both a relief measure and a market innovation.
Yuni Chung, the founder of The O Global, highlighted the premium quality of Saecheongmu rice in a recent interview. She noted that Japanese buyers care deeply about rice texture and taste. Saecheongmu, known for its soft feel and mild sweetness, matches these expectations remarkably well. “This variety competes with Japan’s best,” said Chung, pointing to Korea’s increasingly respected food reputation. Korean rice exports to Japan grow not only in volume, but also in cultural significance.
The O Global will soon expand its Japanese offerings to include abalone, seaweed, rice cakes and Korean snacks. Moreover, the firm plans to open a Japan-based office next month to support direct operations. Offices in Thailand, China and France will follow next year. Chung believes this expansion will help meet global demand for Korean foods. Many now associate Korean labels and Hangul packaging with quality and reliability.
Since its founding in the early 2000s, The O Global has evolved from dessert exports to a full-scale agricultural powerhouse. Initially known for sauces, it later moved into seafood, fruit and grains. Now, more than half of the firm’s revenue comes from the Japanese market. Korean rice exports to Japan grow rapidly alongside this trend, reflecting rising consumer trust. As food security challenges mount, Korean exporters stand ready with dependable alternatives.
